By Pita Ligaiula in Savusavu
Fiji Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has called on Pacific media to help strengthen the region’s vision of an Ocean of Peace by ensuring communities, particularly those in remote islands, are heard and connected.
Opening the 8th Pacific Media Summit in Savusavu on Wednesday, Rabuka said the Ocean of Peace was a shared vision for a secure, resilient, peaceful and united Blue Pacific.
“I first introduced the concept of an Ocean of Peace in December 2022. Following regional consultation, Pacific Leaders endorsed the Ocean of Peace Declaration in Honiara in September 2025.
“At its heart is a simple principle – the Pacific must have a strong voice in shaping its own destiny,” Rabuka said.
He said the vision was based on sovereignty, peaceful resolution of conflict, regional unity, environmental security and human security.
Rabuka said these principles were closely linked to the summit theme, “Reaching the Remote: Media and Digital Innovation for a Connected Blue Pacific.”
He said digital innovation was helping overcome the geographic challenges facing Pacific island countries separated by vast stretches of ocean.
“It allows information to travel faster. It allows communities to connect. And it allows voices from our most remote islands to reach national, regional and global audiences,” Rabuka said.
Rabuka said a connected Pacific must ensure that people in remote communities were not excluded from public debate and decisions affecting their lives.
“A truly connected Blue Pacific must ensure that no community is left unheard and no citizen is left voiceless in decisions that affect their future,” he said.
Rabuka said Pacific media had a direct role in building the Ocean of Peace and should not see itself simply as an observer of regional developments.
“The Pacific media is not simply an observer of the Ocean of Peace. You are part of building it,” he said.
He said independent journalism, digital innovation and professional integrity could help create a Pacific that was better informed, connected and resilient.
“Through independent journalism, digital innovation and professional integrity, you can help build a Pacific that is better informed, better connected and more resilient,” Rabuka said.
Rabuka challenged journalists and media organisations attending the summit to examine how technology could strengthen Pacific journalism.
“As you deliberate over the coming days, I encourage you to challenge yourselves, share your experiences and explore how technology can strengthen Pacific journalism,” he said.
Rabuka also welcomed delegates to Savusavu, describing it as his hometown and encouraging participants to experience the area during the summit.
“You may discover, as I did a long time ago, that it is a difficult place not to love,” he said.
Rabuka said the discussions at the summit should contribute to ensuring communities across the Pacific, regardless of how remote they were, remained part of the region’s future.
“May your discussions help ensure that every corner of our Blue Pacific — no matter how remote — can be heard, connected and included,” Rabuka said.
